Dr. Estela Salas-Sarmiento Named Principal of Sycamore Magnet Academy

The Tustin Unified School District is pleased to announce Dr. Salas-Sarmiento as the new principal of Sycamore Magnet Academy (SMA), pending Board approval on June 27, 2022.  

Dr. Salas-Sarmiento has served in public education for more than 25 years and is currently the principal of Raymond Temple Elementary School in the Centralia Elementary School District, a role she has served in since 2016. 

“I am excited to join Sycamore Magnet Academy as the new principal,” said Dr. Salas-Sarmiento. “I’ve loved teaching primary and middle school; the opportunity to lead a TK-8 school is a dream come true. I cannot wait to meet the SMA family and continue to develop world-class programs under one unified mission and vision.”

Dr. Salas-Sarmiento began her career in the Downey Unified School District, where she taught for 20 years, served as an English Learning Development (ELD) Coordinator, and led the ELD department for Sussman Middle School for five years. Prior to her current position as principal at Raymond Temple Elementary, she served as an assistant principal at Craig Williams Elementary school in the Bellflower Unified School District. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Salas-Sarmiento to the TUSD Family,” said Superintendent Mark Johnson. “She has a strong track record as a site principal, and her ability to work collaboratively with students, staff, parents, and the community is exemplary. I am highly confident that her attitude of service and willingness to form positive relationships with all stakeholders will allow SMA to continue doing tremendous work!

Dr. Salas-Sarmiento has a bachelors in Liberal Studies with Spanish minor, a teaching credential with a bilingual crosscultural authorization (BCLAD), a Master’s in Education: Multicultural Education, from California State University Dominguez Hills, a Doctorate in K-12 Leadership from California State University Fullerton, and a management certificate from Harvard Business School.

Dr. Salas-Sarmiento is expected to start her new position on July 1, 2022.